Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most fabulous octogenarian of all? Well, our very own Maze Master Richard O’Brien is turning 80 on 25^th March!

When the Crystal Maze first hit our screens on 15^th February 1990, young Richard was the tender age of just 48 (I mean, you’re as old as you feel, right?). Who’d have known back then that this larger than life character would’ve gone on to become the most recognizable face of Britain’s best loved game show.

The youngest of four siblings, Richard was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire in 1942 but emigrated to New Zealand with his family just ten years later. At the age of six, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, the much loved (future) maze master replied with a ‘Fairy Princess’. I think we can all relate, Rich.

After a whirlwind career in stage, film and music, the Rocky Horror star was selected by Crystal Maze producers to act as host, being a brand new, fresh face for the game show genre. It proved to be an inspired choice, O’Brien filming three series and then a fourth after he was begged to stay on for just one more batch of episodes. He finally handed the reigns of the now iconic position to punk front man Ed Tudor-Pole during the opening of season five.

This wasn’t to be his last foray into the world of Mumsey, however, when in 2016 he delighted fans by cheekily conversing with Stephen Merchant as the computer in the Stand Up to Cancer Crystal Maze special.

So, how does one celebrate a human being like Richard? By joining us for National Leopard Print Day! We’ll be decked out in Leopard Print and playing with our exclusive new leopard print crystals (Which you can buy, if you ask nicely). So join us on 25^th March in either London or Manchester where we’ll be hosting birthday parties for the big man. In lieu of a birthday suit, wearing your best leopard print is actively encouraged…

Can’t wait for the 25^th? Neither can we! Enter our competition to win 8 tickets and a limited edition leopard print crystal. Don your best leopard print and send us your snap via social media, tagging us in. To enter the prize draw, choose your preferred platform and do the below before the deadline on 28^th  March (It is a birthday week after all) :

• Login to your Twitter account and comment with your best Leopard Day outfit in response to a tweet by @CrystalMazeHQ about the promotion tagging @CrystalMazeHQ, AND/OR;
• Login to your Facebook account and comment below the promotional post by The Crystal Maze Live Experience with your best Leopard Print Day outfit, AND/OR;
• Login to your Instagram account, post your best Leopard Day outfit using #CrystalMaze and tagging @thecrystalmaze.

Good luck! The T&C’s can be found on our website HERE https://bit.ly/3KSrmTz

Other famous People born on 25^th March:

Sir Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jadon Sancho, Aretha Franklin and Kim Woodburn.

Did you know?

O’Brien’s birth sign is Aries! Aries are characterized by being good leaders, energetic and incredibly courageous. Hard working and enthusiastic, they always play fairly but can occasionally be impatient. In spite of this, they are warm and fiercely intelligent- Sounds just like the Richard we know and love!